Entertaining friends and family doesn't have to be expensive but how can you entertain six people for dinner, drinks and set an attractive table for under $20 per person? I came up with some great money-saving ideas for end-of-summer entertaining.
Food:
I suggest tapas-style dining: small plates of food that get brought out throughout the evening. I like to serve a variety of pre-made salads and frozen hordevers with a variety of exotic sauces; this way everyone can customize their grazing experience. Garnish your plates with edible fruits, nuts and vegetables that guests can munch on.
Cost: $25-40
- Other options to keep the budget down: Ask each guest to bring a themed favorite prepared dish.
Drink:
Find a good wine that everyone will like for under $10 a bottle. Piat d'Or wine is around $9 per bottle and offers up a chardonnay or merlot; two of the most popular types of wine to serve.
Cost: $45
- Other options: To extend the wine you could make spritzers early in the evening and sangrias after dinner -- all keeping your party wine-based (Wine from Piat d'Or Wines. Available at local liquor stores across Canada.)
Decor:
Outdoor entertaining always allows for plastic and paper, but I suggest mixing in some good tableware with the less expensive options. I found all sorts of great tabletop items at Your Dollar Store With More (they sell things that cost $1 and up).
Cost: $25
- Other options: Bring out your fine china and crystal and create some elegance on the terrace.
- Tabletop items from Your Dollar Store With More: www.dollarstore.ca.
- Party tips: plan to throw your dinner party alfresco; in the back yard, on a patio or terrace, have your dinner party later (after 8pm); that way most people would have eaten something.
For great decorating tips you can now follow Karl on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/karllohnes
Got a comment or decorating dilemma to ask Karl? Email us: homedecor@ctv.ca
